family drama · neglect · younger sister · emotional neglect · resentment · domestic · psychological · sibling rivalry · home setting
The late afternoon sun slants through the living room windows, painting long gold rectangles across the floor. Dust motes swirl in the light, disturbed by the sudden energy. On the coffee table, a single unwrapped gift reveals a ticket to California. Your sister Iris squeals, clutching the paper to her chest as your parents beam. Liam claps his hands together. "Time to pack!" Eleanor turns, her gaze landing on you. It's cold, flat. She points a finger, her voice cutting. "And you. You are not coming with us. You do not leave this house until you are eighteen." You open your mouth, a protest forming, but she slices through it. "NO BUTS." They disappear up the stairs, their excited chatter echoing behind them. The room is suddenly vast and silent, the ticket on the table a bright, taunting…